7 Natural Ways to Control Anxiety [Slideshow]

Limit Caffeine 

For someone who doesn't suffer from anxiety, too much caffeine can bring on unwanted jitters and uneasiness. For someone who does, a cup of coffee might seem like a good interim solution to manage their day, but it could actually end up hurting them.

It causes heart rate and breathing to spike, which are similar sensations to the presence of anxiety. Symptoms are confusing to the body and may provoke a sense of nervousness, restlessness, headache, insomnia, sweating, or ringing sensation in the ear. Limit exposure to ease chances of anxiety. 

Avoid Alcohol

For those with an anxiety disorder, alcohol may only work to stir up all of the wrong provocations. Though it may seem like a viable solution to remedying symptoms of anxiety, it can do more damage than good.

20 percent of sufferers also suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence. Keep in mind that alcohol actually contributes to the disorder and can induce it further. 

CBD 

Countless research has proven that cannabidiol can help improve and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The way that it interacts with systems of the brain that regulate serotonin levels has been suggested to have an effect on social anxiety disorder. As well as with short-term anxiety, PTSD symptoms, and anxiety-induced sleeping disorders. 

Balance Your Gut 

Your brain and gut are connected and work in tandem to produce your mental and physical state of wellness. Working to balance your gut can help to fight anxiety on a physiological level.

Healthy practices to care for the gut, such as getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, consuming probiotics, and staying away from foods that can throw off your unique bacteria can help. 

Meditate 

Meditation is your one-stop shop for slowing down the spiked levels of anxiousness that can feel unmanageable. Step away from the struggle and step into being in touch with yourself. Meditation is a strong, natural resource for managing and coping with anxiety. 

Embrace It If You Can 

In some cases, symptoms of anxiety can be soothed by resilience to face them head-on without fear of being overrun. If anxiety is not necessarily chemically induced, it might be possible to manage it in this manner.

The key is taking the anxiety, flipping it on its side, and using it to fuel yourself toward betterment. Curious if this natural tactic is for you? Take the quiz here. 

Turn Up the Activity 

Turn down the anxiety by turning up the activity. Physical exercise is a GR8 way to combat and prevent the effects of anxiety.

Taking time to get your heart rate up in this manner feels a lot different than it rising as a product of feeling anxious and unwell. This is because working out releases feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, therefore creating a positive association.